Futuristic styling and conventional mechanicals collide in the Honda Vultus

With its matt grey paintwork and stealth bomber-inspired bodywork, the Honda Vultus looks more like a futuristic comic-book creation than a motorcycle. This is entirely intentional. The Vultus, whose name means "face" in Latin, was shaped by a team of young designers inspired by Japanese manga comics and the superheros that feature therein.

Beneath its bodywork the Vultus is relatively ordinary. It is essentially a reclothed Integra, Honda’s large-wheeled scooter. Like the Integra, it has the 745cc, liquid-cooled parallel twin engine that also powers the conventional NC750S and NV750X, with unchanged 54bhp output and an emphasis on low-rev power delivery and fuel economy.

Honda says the Vultus is intended to create a unique riding experience for “young, social media-engaged urbanites”. It certainly succeeds in feeling different, aided by its seat, which is remarkably low at 650mm, and incorporates a back-rest, created by the hinged pillion seat. With its rider's legs forward and feet placed on generous footboards, the Vultus feels almost as much like a sports car as a motorbike.

Further innovation becomes apparent when selecting the riding mode of the Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) system, which is standard fitment. The digital instrument panel can be set to change colour according to which mode is selected; a neat if hardly essential feature. As with Honda's other DCT models, there are two automatic options or a manual change via finger-operated paddles on the left handlebar.

Performance is effortless and rider-friendly, like that of the NC models and Integra. The low-revving engine pulls almost from idle and makes its maximum power at just 6,200rpm. But the Vultus has a fair turn of acceleration, is fun to ride – if not exactly thrilling – and cruises smoothly at 70mph.

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The seat of the Vultus is remarkably low and it incorporates a fold-up backrest

The DCT suits a relaxed machine such as the Vultus, although even this second-generation system can be too eager to change up. The engine is impressively economical, averaging about 75mpg to give a range of 150 miles or more despite the fairly small fuel tank.

The handling is also reasonable, despite a substantial weight of 245kg. The Honda's length and lack of clutch can make slow-speed manoeuvring tricky, but stability at speed is good, and cornering clearance adequate. Ride quality is enhanced by the broad seat, and is reasonable despite the limited rear suspension travel. But braking power from the single front and rear discs is surprisingly feeble, and not helped by an ABS system that cuts in unnecessarily early.

Storage space is also severely limited. The fairing contains two glove compartments, the smaller of which is lockable and contains an electrical socket, but both are very small and neither looks designed to hold a fragile phone. Raising the pillion seat reveals a small and not very convenient surface for luggage, which is particularly inconvenient because the angled, plastic fuel tank cover precludes using a tank bag.

Cornering clearance is adequate and the Honda Vultus has a good turn of speed

Built-in panniers are available as an accessory, as are a taller screen and heated grips, but adding those would add considerably to the already high price. The Integra, no paragon of practicality itself, is much less expensive while the DCT-equipped NC750S costs just £6,499.

Honda deserves credit for encouraging its designers to create such a radical machine, and bringing it to production. But it’s difficult to see who, apart from affluent Batman fans, will buy it.

The Vultus was never going to be cheap, but with better detailing it could have been genuinely versatile, instead of merely spectacular to look at.

Arguably the best of the maxi-scooters available at a similar price to the Vultus, the sportier of BMW's pair of 60bhp parallel twins is fast, handles well and incorporates an innovative, extendable storage area under its fairly tall seat.

Honda Integra, from £7,699

The Integra won't make jaws drop like the Vultus, and its slightly higher seat has no back-rest, but Honda's other motorbike-come-scooter offers near-identical performance plus superior weather protection, fuel range and storage capacity.

Batman would doubtless find the Burgman sadly lacking in style but its 54bhp parallel twin engine puts it on a performance par with the Vultus, and it offers generous storage space, sound handling and reasonable wind protection.

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